Monthly Archives: August 2009

An A-to-Z List of Lesser-Known Roleplaying Games: Part 3

I’m really glad people are enjoying my list. Here’s the next part:

  • Lace and Steel: A game set in a fantasy version of the 17th century which uses a card-based combat system. You can even play a centaur without pesky level penalties 😉 . BTW — if anyone’s looking to get rid of a copy of this game (either edition), let me know. I’m definitely in the market for one.
  • Murphy’s World: It’s called Murphy’s World for good reason — the game is set on a planet where Murphy’s Law is more reliable than gravity. The PCs are, like most of the world’s inhabitant, reluctant immigrants searching for a way back home. Which means you can create a character from nearly anywhere. After all, what other game would let you play a Giantish Lemming Herder or a Troll Tree-Hugger?
  • Macho Women with Guns: Yeah, I know this is a second “M”, but I really couldn’t leave out this (in)famous gem. The feminist side of me is horrified, but I’ve tried the game at a con and it’s a kick. In it you play, well … a macho, skimpily-clothed woman with big guns. No, not those guns … well, okay, yeah, those guns. But you get massive amounts of artillery and firepower, too. And you need it, if you’re going to hunt down and destory the forces of Drunken Frat Boys and other such dangerous “critters” (as non-female NPCs are known).
  • Nobilis: In Nobilis, you don’t really play a character that’s a person — you play the personification of a concept. What kind of concept? Well, any concept, from love to fire to puppies or small print. But this isn’t a humorous game. In Nomine players will find this easiest to grasp, since it’s similar in idea to the concept of a Word.
  • Over the Edge: One of the earliest games to use the dice pool concept. The game setting is more-or-less modern, taking place on a mysterious island in the Mediterranean called “Al Amarja”. If you like conspiracy-focused games, chances are you’ll like Over the Edge.
  • Pandemonium: Another humorous game, this one set in a version of our world where all the tabloid news stories are true, though most people still don’t believe them. PCs are among the Elightened, the people who know better. The game gives you a choice between E-Z rules, using pre-generated characters, or the Very Complicated Rules designed for experienced role-players. Even if you never play the game, the rules make entertaining reading.

Tomorrow: Games Q – U

An A-to-Z List of Lesser-Known Roleplaying Games: Part 2

Here’s the second part of the A-to-Z list of games:

  • Gangbusters: Another of TSR’s non-D&D game systems. Published in 1982, it’s an RPG set in Prohibition-era America.
  • HoL (Human Occupied Landfill): Not a family-friendly system. The players play characters who’re trapped in a penal colony located on the Confederation of World’s trash dump planet. While it’s playable (and can be a lot of fun if you’re in the right mood), HoL is also a satire of other RPGs and often pokes deliberate fun at them.
  • It Came From the Late, Late, Late Show: Another humorous RPG. In this one, players play actors acting in a Bad Movie. Not a B-rated one, a bad one. The group of Actors (players) and the Director (GM) work together to create movie. A great game to pull out if you’re missing the requisite number of players for your regular game session. My favorite part of the game is that the Director can give out experience to players acting Appropriately Stupid.
  • Jorune: Yes, I know, it’s official title is Skyrealms of Jorune, but I wanted to showcase a different game for “s” and it’s most commonly referred to as simply “Jorune”. If you ever want to game on a truly unique and alien world, try this game. It takes a while to really get into the swing of this game — the players have a lot of background information to learn — so plan on making a long-term campaign if you choose to play it.
  • Kult: Like World of Darkness, Kult is set in a darker version of our own world. It’s based real-life magickal occultism and draws heavily on Kabbalism and Gnosticism.

Tomorrow — Part 3: L – P

Top 10 Most Popular Posts Countdown

Here’s a count down of the 10 most popular posts and pages since Evil Machinations went live April 2009

10. What D&D Character Are You?
9. “I hit him with a BoAF*… I mean Fireball!”
8. Edition Wars
7. GM Tools: Story Worksheet
6. “You Want to Do What?”
5. D&D: the Future
4. Character Questionnaire
3. Wormy’s Back!!!
2. An A-to-Z List of Lesser-Known Roleplaying Games: Part 1

And the top post of Evil Machinations history:

1. “Where are we again?”: Creating Unique Fantasy Cities and Towns